Mariners shuffle rotation as Felix gets pushed back

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mariners are pushing Felix Hernandez's next start back to Wednesday after coming out of his last start with what was called a side cramp. Felix has said he feels okay but was told in a meeting with manager Eric Wedge, pitching coach Carl Willis and trainer Rick Griffin Thursday morning that he would be given a few extra days.

"He feels good, he wants to start on Sunday," Wedge said. "He feels better today, is going to go out and play catch. We are just going to be cautious with him. We want him to get some flat-ground work in, get another bullpen in, get off the hill before he starts again."

With Felix bumped to Wednesday, the rest of the rotation will go to their regular days before James Paxton was added. Paxton will still start Saturday and be followed by Erasmo Ramirez on Sunday. Taijuan Walker's Safeco debut will be moved back to Monday.

As for Thursday's linuep, the Mariners no doubt are happy to see a righty on the hill.